THE EFFECT OF ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT ON COMPOSITE PLATES SUBJECTED TO LOW VELOCITY IMPACT

In this study, impact behaviors of glass fiber/epoxy composite plates have been investigated, experimentally. For this purpose, composite samples have been manufactured in dimensions of 100x100 mm and with layer of 8. The specimens kept into hydrochloric acid solutions (acid concentration 15% and 25%) in a closed glass jar in sunless for different exposure times at room temperature. Impact tests were performed using Fractovis Plus impact test machine at two different impact energies (20J and 30J). After impact tests, force- deflection curves, impact energy- deflection, velocity-time and force-time have been plotted. The experiments results obtained from the specimens kept into hydrochloric acid solutions were compared with no immersed specimens. As a result of experimental studies, it was seen the acidic environment reduced the load carrying capacity of composite specimens but did not change the curve type